A decades-old cold case investigation has led to the identification of human remains discovered along the shore of West Point Lake more than 35 years ago.

According to investigators, on March 11, 1990, a body in an advanced state of decomposition was discovered near the lake. Authorities said the circumstances surrounding the death appeared suspicious at the time, and the case was investigated as a homicide. Several personal belongings and faded tattoos were also recovered with the body.

Despite investigative efforts in 1990, the victim was never identified.

In 2025, the case was reassigned to Investigator Clay Bryant. The remains, which had been held by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab, were submitted for advanced DNA testing through a private laboratory.

Officials said a DNA profile was successfully developed and forwarded to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which ultimately helped investigators make a positive identification.

The victim was identified as Craig Alexander Maddox, who was living in Arkansas at the time of his disappearance.

Authorities say information gathered from family members has led investigators to continue pursuing the case as a homicide investigation.